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Applications for 2024 100 Best Fleets in the Americas are Now Open

NAFA Fleet Management Association

In celebration of remarkable achievements in fleet operations spanning the Americas, NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the foremost membership association in the vehicle fleet industry, is excited to unveil the launch of applications for the prestigious 2024 100 Best Fleets in the Americas competition. This year's competition will distinguish the top 100 Commercial Fleets and the top 100 Public Fleets, honoring outstanding fleet professionals with well-deserved accolades. In addition, NAFA will award two important individual awards: the Fleet Professional of the Year Award and the Fleet Technician of the Year. The competition is open to all fleets situated in North, Central, or South America. “This competition is a testament to the dedication and innovation prevalent in our community," said Mike Camnetar, CAFM, NAFA Board President and Fleet Services Manager at General Mills, Inc. “I encourage all eligible fleets to join us in this pursuit of excellence. The 2024 100 Best Fleets promises to be a platform where outstanding accomplishments and best practices shine. May this competition inspire all of us to reach new heights in advancing the standards of fleet management.” Applications for the 2024 100 Best Fleets contest will be open through Friday, January 26, 2024. Additional details and the online application can be found here. The winners of the 100 Best Fleets contest will be announced at the 2024 NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E) taking place April 22-24, 2024, in San Antonio, TX. The three day conference offers a blend of education, impactful conversations, networking opportunities, and products and services from the industry’s leading suppliers. More information about I&E can be found here. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

December 06, 2023 01:30 PM Eastern Standard Time

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CAFM Live Returns to the 2024 NAFA Institute & Expo

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is pleased to announce that CAFM Live will return at the 2024 NAFA Institute & Expo (I&E) in San Antonio, TX from April 21-24. This unique, add-on program to I&E covers all eight Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) certification modules, offering a comprehensive curriculum to accelerate candidates' preparation for the CAFM examination and guide them toward successful certification. “In the fast-paced world of fleet and mobility, keeping up with the latest industry advancements is imperative,” said Bill Schankel, CAE, CEO of NAFA. “CAFM Live equips professionals with cutting-edge education, reinforcing their preparedness for the evolving challenges of our industry. We’re thrilled to have this innovative program back at I&E for another year.” The CAFM Live experience includes the following key components: Comprehensive Module Coverage: CAFM Live immerses participants in eight in-depth module sessions, addressing critical areas such as Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, Information Management, Maintenance Management, Professional Development, Risk Management, and Vehicle Fuel Management. Expert Insights: Participants will learn best practices and study tips directly from CAFM designees, gaining valuable insights that will enhance their exam preparation and overall proficiency in fleet management. Exclusive Access to NAFA’s Institute & Expo: Attendees of CAFM Live not only benefit from the program itself, but also gain complimentary access to NAFA's Institute & Expo. CAFM Live participants can explore exciting sessions, keynotes and the industry's largest Expo at no additional cost. Onsite CAFM Examination Opportunity: CAFM Live offers candidates the unique chance to complete the CAFM examination onsite, streamlining the certification process. Interested participants can learn more about CAFM Live, view the schedule and secure their registration here. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

December 05, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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TSA Records Busiest Air Travel Day in US History

MarketJar

Airlines just survived their busiest travel season in US history, with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reporting a record-high screening of 2.9 million passengers on Sunday alone. 1 American Airlines announced an all-time high of approximately 6.5 million passengers during the Thanksgiving period, and its busiest day on Sunday, with over 6,100 flights. United Airlines also saw a record-breaking number of travelers, with 3.2 million flying between November 17 and November 23, leading up to Thanksgiving. The record travel day happened in spite of a cross-country storm that delayed over 900 flights at the busy Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In total, there were 7,939 delays within, into, or out of the US on Sunday. 2 Fortunately, only 55 flights were canceled, three of which were out of O’Hare. This busy travel day could become the new norm as passengers return to the skies en masse. “In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. 3 Pekoske said the TSA would be collaborating closely with airline and airport partners leading up to the holiday season, with a goal to maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck® lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. Last week, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned efforts to enhance readiness for heightened holiday travel, including the recruitment of additional air traffic controllers and the establishment of new air routes along the East Coast. Travel last year rebounded to 2019 levels, but it was marred by weather and staffing challenges, resulting in dissatisfaction and stranded travelers during the holidays. This year, even more travelers means inevitably longer lineups at security checkpoints and longer wait times at major hubs, a problem that has been getting consistently worse as travel returns to pre-pandemic highs. Fortunately, AI security tech company Liberty Defense Holdings (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF) has started implementing its HEXWAVE™ system in airports across North America to greatly improve security screening for both passengers and staff. A Fast, Contactless Screening Liberty Defense ’s HEXWAVE™ system uses a combination of AI, electromagnetic waves, and 3D imaging to effectively scan and identify potentially hazardous items, such as metal, 3D-printed plastic guns, powders, and liquids. The process is remarkably swift, requiring employees to pass through a contactless walkthrough portal without having to remove their keys or cell phones. Liberty Defense has also recently acquired licenses for millimeter wave-based High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanners and shoe scanner technologies, expanding its technology portfolio. Liberty Defense has successfully delivered a HEXWAVE™ system to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), marking the completion of the contract under the TSA’s On-Person Screening Capability Program for screening Aviation Workers. "Over the past several months, we have been working closely with major US airports, including LAX, Denver, Oakland, and others on enhancing employee screening to reduce the potential of an insider threat,” said Bill Frain, Liberty CEO. “The focus of the program is to improve the detection for a broader range of threats while also improving the throughput for a practical and efficient process. A significant number of airports will be required to improve their screening process over the next several months. We look forward to supporting the initiative and making it a seamless transition.” Given the TSA's directive to implement screening measures for aviation workers, airports need technologies that offer a comprehensive range of threat detection capabilities to meet current screening requirements and those anticipated in the future. Liberty Defense ’s superior security detection solutions are thus of great help in this matter. On November XX, Liberty Defense Holdings (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF) became a recipient of the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award from American Security Today (AST) for its HEXWAVE™ solution. The 'ASTORS' Homeland Security Awards Program honors outstanding government and vendor solutions that offer significant value and intelligence in government, homeland security, and public safety sectors. Click here for more information about Liberty Defense (TSXV:SCAN) (OTCQB:LDDFF). [1] https://abcnews.go.com/US/thanksgiving-travel-tsa-breaks-record-highest-number-daily/story?id=105178080 [2] https://www.flightaware.com/live/cancelled/yesterday [3] https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2023/11/13/tsa-prepared-more-travelers-airport-security-checkpoints-expects Disclaimer 1) The author of the Article, or members of the author’s immediate household or family, do not own any securities of the companies set forth in this Article. The author determined which companies would be included in this article based on research and understanding of the sector. 2) The Article was issued on behalf of and sponsored by, Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. Market Jar Media Inc. has or expects to receive from Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s Digital Marketing Agency of Record (Native Ads Inc.) ninety five thousand USD for 36 days (26 business days). 3) Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not Market Jar Media Inc., its directors or officers. The author is wholly responsible for the validity of the statements. The author was not paid by Market Jar Media Inc. for this Article. Market Jar Media Inc. was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this Article. Market Jar has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information. None of Market Jar or any of their respective affiliates, guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any such information. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Market Jar Media Inc. relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Market Jar Media Inc. has no means of verifying its accuracy. 4) The Article does not constitute investment advice. All investments carry risk and each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional. Any action a reader takes as a result of the information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Market Jar Media Inc.'s terms of use and full legal disclaimer as set forth here. This Article is not a solicitation for investment. Market Jar Media Inc. does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on pressreach.com should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Market Jar Media Inc. does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on pressreach.com. 5) Market Jar Media Inc. and its respective directors, officers and employees hold no shares for any company mentioned in the Article. 6) This document contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), which reflect management's expectations regarding Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s future growth, future business plans and opportunities, expected activities, and other statements about future events, results or performance. Wherever possible, words such as “predicts”, “projects”, “targets”, “plans”, “expects”, “does not expect”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “anticipate” or “does not anticipate”, “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative or grammatical variation thereof or other variations thereof, or comparable terminology have been used to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to: (a) revenue generating potential with respect to Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s industry; (b) market opportunity; (c) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s business plans and strategies; (d) services that Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. intends to offer; (e) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s milestone projections and targets; (f) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s expectations regarding receipt of approval for regulatory applications; (g) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s intentions to expand into other jurisdictions including the timeline expectations relating to those expansion plans; and (h) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s expectations with regarding its ability to deliver shareholder value. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this document including, without limitation, assumptions about: (a) the ability to raise any necessary additional capital on reasonable terms to execute Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s business plan; (b) that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner; (c) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s ability to procure equipment and operating supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis; (d) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s ability to enter into contractual arrangements with additional Pharmacies; (e) the accuracy of budgeted costs and expenditures; (f) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; (g) political and regulatory stability; (h) the receipt of governmental, regulatory and third-party approvals, licenses and permits on favorable terms; (i) changes in applicable legislation; (j) stability in financial and capital markets; and (k) expectations regarding the level of disruption to as a result of CV-19. Such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: (a) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; (b) public health crises such as CV-19 may adversely impact Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s business; (c) the volatility of global capital markets; (d) political instability and changes to the regulations governing Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd.’s business operations (e) Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. may be unable to implement its growth strategy; and (f) increased competition. Except as required by law, Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future event or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Neither does Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this document. Neither Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this document by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this document. 7) Any graphs, tables or other information demonstrating the historical performance or current or historical attributes of Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. or any other entity contained in this document are intended only to illustrate historical performance or current or historical attributes of Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. or such entities and are not necessarily indicative of future performance of Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. or such entities. 8) Investing is risky. The information provided in this article should not be considered as a substitute for professional financial consultation. Users should be aware that investing in any form carries inherent risks, and as such, there is a possibility of losing some or all of their investment. The value of investments can fluctuate significantly within a short period, and investors must understand that past performance is not indicative of future results. Additionally, users should exercise caution as transactions involving investments may be irreversible, even in cases of fraud or accidental actions. It is crucial to acknowledge that rapidly evolving laws and technical issues can have adverse effects on the usability, transferability, exchangeability, and value of investments. Furthermore, users must be cognizant of potential security risks associated with their investment activities. Individuals are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research, seek professional advice, and carefully evaluate their risk tolerance before engaging in any investment endeavors. Market Jar Media Inc. is neither an investment adviser nor a broker-dealer. The information presented on the website is provided for informative purposes only and is not to be treated as a recommendation to make any specific investment. No such information on PressReach.com constitutes advice or a recommendation. Contact Details James Young +1 800-340-9767 campaigns@pressreach.com Company Website https://pressreach.com

November 29, 2023 11:55 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Explore NAFA’s 2024 Institute & Expo Pre-conference Events

NAFA Fleet Management Association

NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA), the vehicle fleet industry’s largest membership association, is thrilled to offer three pre-conference event opportunities at its 2024 Institute & Expo (I&E), taking place April 22-24 in San Antonio, TX. I&E is the industry’s largest gathering of fleet and mobility professionals, and the pre-conference events give attendees the ability to dive into concentrated topics. “Each of these immersive pre-conference sessions are designed to empower and educate fleet professionals,” said Michael Camnetar, CAFM, NAFA Board President. “Sustainability, leadership and asset management are essential for fleet managers, and we look forward to seeing how attendees use the tools and knowledge from these pre-conference events to shape the future of our industry.” 2024 I&E attendees will be able to participate in one of three pre-conference events: Sustainable Fleet Management Certificate Program, Asset Management Certificate Program and the Leadership Development Institute Program. All pre-conference programs take place on Sunday, April 21 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Sustainable Fleet Management Certificate Program plays a vital role in helping fleet managers reach their organizations’ sustainability goals. The course will explore Building a Sustainable Fleet Program, Acquiring a Sustainable Fleet, Driver Training, Fleet Metrics, Fuel Tracking, Sustainable Leadership and Change Management. NAFA’s Asset Management Certificate Program explores Strategic Sourcing, Vehicle Specifications and Selection, Procurement, Active Management and Remarketing. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Development Institute. This program is designed to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their full leadership potential. This workshop is suitable for individuals at all levels of leadership, from emerging leaders to experienced executives, who are committed to enhancing their leadership abilities and making a meaningful impact within their organizations. Interested participants can learn more about these pre-conference events & register here. I&E attracts thousands of fleet professionals from a variety of fields, including corporate, government, public safety, utility, education, and more. The three day conference offers a blend of education, impactful conversations, networking opportunities, and products and services from the industry’s leading suppliers. More information about the I&E schedule can be found here. Prospective exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space early to ensure prime placement in the I&E Expo Hall. For more information about reserving an exhibit booth, please visit NAFA’s website. Sponsorship opportunities can be secured here. This year’s current sponsors include Bestpass Inc., FASTER Asset Solutions, Geotab, Holman, Legend Fleet Solutions, Merchants Fleet, Samsara, Stellantis, U.S. Bank Voyager, WEX and Wheels, Inc. NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes, and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.8 million vehicles that drive an estimated 84 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $122 billion each year. For more information, please visit www.nafa.org, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Contact Details Keaveny Hewitt +1 919-622-5276 khewitt@onwrdupwrd.com Company Website https://www.nafa.org/

November 28, 2023 11:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Ilika in a solid state after a strong first half as it achieves significant milestones

Ilika PLC

Ilika PLC CEO Graham Purdy joined Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with details of the company's strong first-half operating performance. Purdy told Proactive the company began the financial year with the shipment of its first stacked M300 miniature Stereax batteries, made in its UK facility. This milestone was quickly followed by a licensing deal with Cirtec, transferring key equipment to its Massachusetts facility, paving the way for battery shipments in 2024. Additionally, the company's Goliath program, focusing on large-format solid-state batteries, achieved a critical development milestone, supported by a substantial grant from the Faraday Battery Challenge. The company's financial health also saw notable improvement, with it guiding for revenue of £1.3 million and a significantly narrower EBITDA loss, surpassing analysts' expectations. Ending the half-year with £13.2 million in cash and equivalents, Purdy emphasised the company's effective fiscal management and technological advancements. Investors can anticipate an announcement regarding lithium-ion energy density parity, a significant technological milestone, confirming the effectiveness of Ilika's technology development program. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

November 27, 2023 06:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Unlimited Remit starts Canada to Nepal/India remittance service

Renske Technologies

Unlimited Remit, a pioneering cross-border remittance company founded and operated entirely by individuals of Nepalese origin, proudly announces the initiation of remittance services from Canada to Nepal and India. The company, known for its extensive global reach, offers remittance solutions from 150 countries in 29 currencies, excelling in providing the best rates and facilitating instant bank deposits within business hours in Nepal and India through a streamlined, fast, and secure online platform. Unlimited Remit has achieved significant success in transforming the remittance landscape, particularly from the United States, by embracing a fully digital approach and eliminating cash transactions at both the sending and receiving ends. The primary mission of Unlimited Remit is to empower immigrants to send money back home to their friends and family in a safe, secure, fast, and digital manner at minimal costs. With 272 million migrants worldwide sending USD 930 billion annually, the company aims to reduce the considerable fees associated with traditional remittance methods. According to the World Bank, remittance companies charge 6.3%, while banks charge 10.66%, resulting in a staggering USD 60 billion in fees per year. Unlimited Remit ensures a user-friendly experience, allowing immigrants to send money from their phone apps or web apps digitally, saving time and ensuring the best exchange rates with no additional fees or charges. The company's goal is to ensure funds reach the bank accounts or wallets of recipients within minutes, in near real-time, bypassing unnecessary intermediaries and making the process safer, faster, and more cost-effective. "We are excited to offer our remittance services to the Nepali and Indian community in Canada," said Allen Bailochan Tuladhar, CEO of Unlimited Remit. "Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible experience when sending money back home, and we are committed to offering the best rates and fastest bank deposits in Nepal and India." Unlimited Remit operates under the regulatory framework of the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) and holds membership with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). With entities in Singapore, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Nepal, the company maintains a global presence to cater to the diverse needs of its users. During the initial months of its Canada launch, Unlimited Remit is introducing several promotional campaigns. New users will receive instant discounts ranging from CAD 5 to CAD 100, based on different sending slabs. Additionally, for transactions exceeding CAD 10,000, senders can avail themselves of a CAD 15 instant cash discount multiple times. The company has also integrated EarnSikka ( https://EarnSikka.com ) as its loyalty program, issuing Sikka for every remittance sent, which can be redeemed in subsequent transactions. Users utilizing referral codes will receive 650 Sikka, benefiting both the sender and the beneficiary. As part of this year's festival season, Unlimited Remit is conducting a lucky draw, offering NPR 18 lakhs worth of Sikka, ranging from Sikka 50 to Sikka 100,000 to both beneficiaries and senders. For more information, please visit www.unlimitedremit.com. About Unlimited Remit: Unlimited Remit is a licensed and regulated cross-border remittance company, offering services from 150 countries in 29 currencies. With a commitment to a fully digital and secure remittance experience, the company provides users with the best rates and instant bank deposits in Nepal and India. Operating under the supervision of FINTRAC and being a member of the BBB, Unlimited Remit has a global presence, including entities in Singapore, the US, Canada, the UK, Qatar, and Nepal. For more information, visit www.unlimitedremit.com. Contact Details Unlimited Remit Allen Bailochan Tuladhar - CEO +44 7746 698754 allen@unlimitedcloud.asia Company Website https://UnlimitedRemit.com

November 24, 2023 10:49 PM Eastern Standard Time

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The 2023 Shenzhen New Energy Vehicle Industry Showcased Its Development in Macao to Strengthen its Expansion into Portuguese Speaking Countries

Shenzhen People's Government Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office

MACAO, CHINA - Media OutReach - 24 November 2023 - The 2023 Shenzhen New Energy Vehicle Industry (Macao) Conference was held on 22nd November at the Wynn Palace in Macao. It comprehensively showcased the achievements of Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry development and promoted the market-oriented, rule-of-law, and internationalized business environment in Shenzhen. The event welcomed and encouraged various sectors in Macao to seize the opportunities for the development of China's new energy vehicle industry. Mr. Wang Shourui, Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, Yang Hao, Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macau SAR, Zhang Zuowen, Director of the Policy Research and Regional Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government, Zan Dong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Permanent Secretariat of the China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum (Macao) (appointed by Portuguese-speaking countries), Jiang Likun, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Shenzhen, and representatives from various sectors of government and business in Shenzhen and Macao, totaling nearly a hundred people, attended the event. Vice Mayor Wang Shourui emphasized that transitioning to new energy vehicles represents the sole pathway for China to evolve from merely a large automotive manufacturer to an automotive powerhouse. The new energy vehicles serve as a fresh avenue for transforming, elevating, and fostering high-quality growth within China's automotive sector. For eight consecutive years, China has maintained the top spot globally in both the production and sales of new energy vehicles. Shenzhen, a pinnacle and exemplar city in the new energy vehicle realm. The city has a population of 860,000 new energy vehicles, achieving a penetration rate surpassing 60%, a leading position worldwide. Given the ongoing development in the scientific and technological evolution, Shenzhen aims to leverage its industrial strengths in high-tech clustering. Simultaneously, Macao seeks to maximize its position as a gateway for Greater Bay Area with its global connectivity. Collaboratively, Shenzhen and Macao aim to harness their respective strengths, enhancing multi-faceted cooperation, particularly in the new energy vehicle industry. Their joint endeavour to explore international markets promises to significantly contribute to enriching the "one country, two systems" framework and expediting the attainment of advanced scientific and technological self-reliance. Director Zhang Zuowen commented that the automotive industry is transitioning toward green, digital, and intelligent advancements. Shenzhen's automotive sector has spearheaded the progress in developing new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, leading China in advocating for and implementing new energy vehicle technology. Its robust competitiveness in key technological innovation continues to grow. Within the context of the high-caliber collaborative efforts shaping the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and guided by the operational framework of the Shenzhen-Macao Cooperation Conference and the Special Cooperation Class, Macao intends to fully leverage the institutional advantages afforded by the "one country, two systems" model. Macao also aims to amplify the role of its "Connect the World" business cooperation service platform. This involves deepening collaboration with Shenzhen across multiple fronts, including new energy vehicles, ecological preservation, and environmental protection. The objective is to aid Shenzhen's new energy vehicles in exploring global markets, particularly those in Portuguese-speaking countries, while supporting the advancement of Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry and the establishment of a "new generation world-class automotive city." Deputy Secretary-General Zandong highlighted that Portuguese-speaking countries possess strategic geographical locations and abundant natural resources, presenting significant potential for economic development. Their economic and trade ties with China are progressively deepening, fostering expansive prospects for collaboration. China's new energy automobile industry is rapidly gaining recognition in the global automotive industry for its advance technology development. The conference gathering offers a rare opportunity for Portuguese-speaking countries to grasp the dynamics within Shenzhen's new energy vehicle industry and seize the developmental possibilities it offers. The Permanent Secretariat of the Forum between China and Portuguese-speaking countries pledges to remain a facilitative platform for fostering exchanges and cooperation between China and these nations. It aims to support both Shenzhen and Macao in actively expanding their market presence within Portuguese-speaking countries. Furthermore, it intends to comprehensively fortify economic and trade cooperation across various sectors with these nations. Director Jiang Likun emphasized that the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area stands as a significant national strategy personally envisioned, planned, and advocated by President Xi Jinping. This conference centers on the theme of "expanding the global market presence of this new energy vehicles" and aims to promote high quality advancement of new energy automotive industry within the Greater Bay Area. Shenzhen will intensely focus on the objective of establishing an international hub for science and technology innovation within the Greater Bay Area. It is determined to grasp firmly the developmental necessities of the "20+8" industrial cluster. Additionally, it aims to enhance understanding among Hong Kong, Macao, and the global community regarding Shenzhen's industrial policies, investment milieu, and its future developmental. The goal is to encourage Hong Kong and Macao to actively participate in the holistic development of the country. This collective endeavour is to spearhead development of advance technology hub in the Greater Bay Area for both domestic and international market growth in tandem. Thereby the vision is contributing significantly to the establishment of an advance world-class bay area. At the event, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology presented the "Shenzhen Three-Year Action Plan (2023-2025)" aimed at expediting the creation of a "New Generation of World-Class Automobile City." Additionally, six companies, including BYD Co., Ltd., Skyworth Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen University, Hongde Automobile Industry Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Bihu New Energy Automobile Technology Co., Ltd., Dahang Science and Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., and Shenzhen Infineon Technology Co., Ltd., delivered specialized speeches on the new energy vehicle industry's development. Contact Details Media Contact macau.shenzhen@gmail.com

November 24, 2023 09:59 AM Eastern Standard Time

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BusCaro raises pre-seed round to mobilise commuter journeys in Pakistan

BusCaro

Mobility startup BusCaro announces $1.5m funding round to address the daily commute challenge facing millions of Pakistanis. The pre-seed funding round was led by Orbit Startups with participation from Wahed Ventures and notable angels from the mobility sector. Pakistan’s three largest cities have over 40,000 under-utilised minivans and buses, typically owned by private operators. The daily experience of using these buses is mired by opaque pricing, and an unreliable, unaffordable, and unsafe experience for commuters on the one hand, and a financially unpredictable one for operators on the other. Buscaro is an app-based platform with enhanced safety and reliability features that improve the experience for both commuters and operators. Using a direct partnership B2B2C model, Buscaro is better able to match demand with supply, improving vehicle utilisation and thereby increasing operator and driver incomes while keeping costs affordable for end consumers. Features such as driver background checks, vehicle inspections and tracking, on-ground emergency response team and a 24/7 customer support team enable a safer, more reliable service for consumers. With 10 years of industry experience behind her, Maha Shahzad founded Buscaro in October 2022. The startup has since expanded operations across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, doing over 20,000 bookings per day, and is on track to become profitable by early 2024. At its current scale, BusCaro is helping reduce carbon footprint by over 3M kg per year. The few mass commute options available in Pakistan are mostly unsafe, unreliable, inaccessible or unaffordable. The worst affected are women who have the fewest options available to begin with and face the biggest hurdles in workforce participation. With the mission of addressing this challenge using a sustainable business model, BusCaro partners directly with corporates and educational institutions to provide their employees and students with a seamless, safe commute experience. Maha Shahzad, Founder and CEO of BusCaro commented: “A safe and affordable commute is a basic human right and making that happen with a sustainable and profitable business model should be entirely possible. We are pleased to have investors who believe in our mission of providing the masses of Pakistan with a safe, secure and reliable means of transport.” On leading the investment round, William Bao Bean, Managing General Partner at Orbit Startups “ added: “Diversity and inclusion is tough to achieve when women have to spend north of 30% of their salary on getting to work in a safe and predictable way. We backed BusCaro because they enable women and men to book safe, inexpensive and efficient shared transport to and from work, driving opportunities and opening up the overall economy.” About BusCaro BusCaro is a tech-based mobility company aimed at simplifying daily commutes. Paired with a technology stack, and the mission to drive a positive change in the mobility sector, BusCaro is a seamless solution for the daily pick and drop. The dedicated team has streamlined operations to provide users with a hassle-free experience. About Orbit Startups Orbit Startups helps scale breakthrough companies across emerging and frontier markets in Southeast and South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Orbit invests through its fund SOSV, a US-based venture capital firm with US$1.5 billion in assets under management. Notable investments include VideoVerse, technology partner to the Olympics and the UK’s Premier League; fintech pioneer BitMEX; ELSA Speak, Google Gradient’s first investment in Asia; MarketForce, Africa’s leading merchant marketplace; and Dastgyr, Pakistan’s aspiring Alibaba Group. Orbit is the first and longest running startup program in Asia based out of Shanghai, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul. The program provides hands-on support for partnerships, business development, fundraising and growth. It is focussed on digitalization to drive efficiency across ecommerce, fintech, media, healthcare, education, and logistics and drive a revolution for the next four billion. Contact Details BusCaro Bilal Mahmood +44 7714 007257 b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com Company Website https://buscaro.com/

November 23, 2023 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Putting the Brakes on Distracted Driving This Holiday Season

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/-m__hB55lSE The holiday season is here – and that means there will be an increase of motorists on U.S. roadways. With more families hitting the road, it’s an important time to discuss the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. The 2023 Travelers Risk Index on distracted driving found that 70% of consumers feel that distracted driving is more of a problem now than it was over the past few years. Following are additional highlights from the 2023 Travelers Risk Index: · 80% make or receive calls. · 57% use handheld devices. · 28% post on social media. · 27% take photos or videos. The Travelers Institute, the public policy division at Travelers, has been raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving through its Every Second Matters® campaign – an initiative that began in 2017. Since the campaign started, the Travelers Institute has published a number of whitepapers and resources to help consumers understand the risks and learn how to be safe behind the wheel. The Travelers Institute was joined by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), the world’s largest telematics solution provider, which regularly publishes new distracted driving data insights and road safety reports throughout the year. According to its new report, The State of Distracted Driving in 2023 & the Future of Road Safety, CMT reports that the 23% surge in distracted driving in 2022 caused an additional 420,000 crashes, 1,000 fatalities, and $10 billion in economic damages. Additionally, a new analysis from CMT shows that distracted driving increased by 9.2% on Thanksgiving Day from 2020 to 2022. For more information, visit TRAVELERSINSTITUTE.ORG AND CMT.AI. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

November 22, 2023 02:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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